Fossil Fuels Reap $550 Billion in Subsidies, Hindering Renewables Investment
Fossil fuels are reaping $550 billion a year in subsidies and holding back investment in cleaner forms of energy, the International Energy Agency said.
Khosla-Backed Biofuel Firm Kior Files Bankruptcy, Plans Sale
Kior Inc., a maker of biofuels from crops such as switchgrass, wood chips and corn husks, filed for bankruptcy protection with a plan to sell its assets to affiliates of backer Vinod Khosla if no better offer emerges.
UN Sees Irreversible Damage to Climate Caused by Fossil Fuels
Humans are causing irreversible damage to the planet from burning fossil fuels, the biggest ever study of the available science concluded in a report designed to spur the fight against climate change.
Are Environmental Regulations Causing US Utility Bills to Surge?
U.S. electricity markets face years of higher prices as clean-air regulations shut more coal-fired power plants than earlier forecast, cutting supply and forcing producers to rely more on natural gas.
Australia Seeks to Reduce Renewable Energy Target to ‘Real’ 20 Percent
Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s government will negotiate with the opposition to cut Australia’s renewable energy target and exempt industries such as aluminum and copper smelting.
UK Green Bank Set to Draw Offshore Wind Investors to $1.6 Billion Fund
The U.K. Green Investment Bank is set to tie up the first investments in a $1.6 billion fund by the end of March, part of Britain’s push to cement its dominance in offshore wind power.
Brazil Bioenergy Bonanza: New Biofuel Refinery in the Works, Areva To Build 150-MW Biomass Plant
Brazil, known as a leader in the bioenergy scene, continues to show its dominance in the industry with plans for a new cellulosic ethanol plant and a 150-MW woody biomass plant, the nation's largest.
Germany’s Clean Electricity Costs Decline for First Time
German electricity consumers will for the first time see a drop in the fee added to their bills to fund renewables, a boost for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has pledged to curb the cost for voters.
EU Nations Mull Funds to Aid Clean Energy in 2030 Climate Deal
European Union governments are considering the use of carbon-permit funds to help finance clean technologies and spur poorer nations toward a low-carbon economy under a planned deal on 2030 climate and energy policies.
Are UK Renewable Energy Contracts Hurting Consumers?
The U.K. government didn’t get the best deal for consumers when it awarded 16.6 billion pounds ($26.8 billion) worth of clean-energy contracts, according to a parliamentary committee.